Melbourne

Not a day goes by, down here, that I don't think, 'this is so like Paris'. 

You Melbournites have got it all!

... twinkling trees along the Seine.... I mean the Yarra....

 ... Masters painted on footpaths...

... quaint little shops ...

... and gorgeous little lanes ...

... beautiful architecture...

... warm fires everywhere ...

...stylish fashions... the lady, not 'tracksuit man'!...

(love the green!)

... and gorgeous bikes to hire!...

 (no wonder no one uses the City Cycle in Brissie).

How can one NOT go for a run! 

I picked a runner, about my age and size at Southbank yesterday morning... and followed her. 

Its the best way to see a city you don't know... follow a local!

She took me over bridges, as the sun rose....

.. and up hills.. 

(that slow incline of Queen St is a killer)...

... and down along the Seine, I mean Yarra.

I followed at a distance, so she had no idea she was giving me 'the tour'.

Off for a few meetings with suppliers today....

.... after I pick someone to follow, for my run this morning!

Happy Friday!

I Ate Melbourne

In the tradition of my brief sojourn in Paris, I am endeavouring to eat my way through Melbourne too. I took your advice my readers and found my way to 'Laurent' where I enjoyed this delight. I made sure I spent the rest of the day walking fast.

I couldn't get a front on shot of the beautiful front gate as I was scared I might side-swipe the Maserati parked out front.

I suppose I also stalked Melbourne too. Yesterday, I hired a little car and staked out the peaceful precincts of Toorak and Kew, drooling over gables, French doors, chimneys and gardens. I did stop to explain to some puzzled residents what the lady with the iphone in the little red car was up to. Met some lovely people! Is it wrong to desperately want live in Toorak and Kew?

So this morning I am meeting up with Julie-Ann from the Decorating Forum for breakfast. Very excited as we have been cyber friends for ages and have never met. I tell you, this is the year of 'putting faces to names' for all my blog friends and colleagues. It is wonderful to meet in person. And it always feels like we have known each other for ever.

I am rescuing my Mother from my 'tree-climbing' boys tonight. I have missed them. And they me (from the secret, 'way after bedtime', 9.30pm, "Nighty night-Mum, I love you more than anything in the world" text messages I have been receiving!!!).

Happy Sunday!

Sidetrack

Total sidetrack I know ..... but look at these beautiful stairs. I had to share them with you. I found them in a shop in Melbourne. I felt a bit rude wandering in and practically saying, "look, sorry, not the slightest bit interested in your wares.... but I love your stairs". They were fine...actually delighted that I loved their stairs. So here they are. 

I wonder what's up there? Love the wallpaper!... and the balusters stop my heart.

Ooh, and I found another 'lumiere', an industrial number, over HERE.
Ahh lights, the jewellery of the home. Sigh.

To Market, To Market

Image Courtesy Pinterest

I am heading off to Melbourne this weekend, to take in the magic that is the 'Boutique Markets' (at Hawthorn Town Hall on Sunday at 9am). 

I love Melbourne. I love the cold. I love sitting in the outdoor cafes, under toasty warm heaters, watching all the gorgeous fashions walk by. I think I'll do a bit of that when I am down there. I hear the snow is good this year too. Deep sigh! 

Tell me about Melbourne, people. I seem to be heading there quite a bit with work these days and I have promised the boys a trip next school holidays. What's the goss? What to do? Where to go?

Happy Weekend all. 

See you at the markets, you Melbourne folk!